Why does the largest river system in North America meander across the middle of the continent? How does such a system relate to the rugged Rocky Mountains? And how did earthquakes in New Madrid, Missouri, cause waves to go upstream in the Mississippi River? Delving into the majestic Great Plains region, this book answers such questions while clarifying the interrelated subjects of terrain, climate, and the movements of the earth itself. Learn why and how tornadoes form, how invasive species are threatening the Great Lakes, and what people are doing about it. With 15 hands-on projects and demonstrations for home or classroom—including panning for gold, creating a tornado, and engineering a flood—this engaging science book for readers 8 to 12 employs drawings, diagrams, vocabulary words, sidebars, anecdotes, and did-you-know trivia to explore geology and physical geography as fascinating parts of our everyday world.

"Opening chapters on plate tectonics, mountain building, and volcanoes and earthquakes set the stage for closer looks at specific sites, major rivers, the Great Lakes, climate patterns (guess which city has recorded a higher temperature: Miami or Bismarck?), and ecosystems. Following easy instructions, readers can go on to create dunes of various sorts with sand and a blow dryer, make a soda-and-Mentos 'geyser,' plus 13 other projects. Capped by an unusually generous set of print and web resources, this introduction is equally suitable for home and classroom instruction."—Booklist